Reproductive biology of the bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil (original) (raw)
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Journal of Mammalogy, 2019
Reproductive rates in bats are higher when there is a greater availability of food, and when temperatures and rainfall are higher. Along elevational gradients, variation in these factors occurs over a small area, making them ideal natural laboratories for studies that aim to describe reproductive patterns and to identify possible vertical migrations for reproduction. We characterized the seasonal and elevational variation in reproductive rates of female and male Artibeus spp., Carollia perspicillata, and Sturnira lilium in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We sampled bats with mist nets at 13 sites in southeastern Brazil, between 23° and 24° of latitude, at elevations between 60 and 1,800 m a.s.l. The reproductive patterns of Artibeus spp. and S. lilium were seasonal, with higher reproductive rates in the period with higher rainfall, temperatures, and, consequently, greater availability of food. Moreover, elevation influenced reproductive activity in all study species. Reproductive rates for females of Artibeus spp. were higher at intermediate elevations (between 501 and 1,000 m a.s.l.), and for females of S. lilium at high elevations (above 1,000 m a.s.l.) with a less evident peak at intermediate elevations. Similarly, the proportions of reproductively active male Artibeus spp. and S. lilium were greater at intermediate and high elevations, respectively. In the dry season, reproductive rates of all females increased with local abundance of all females. Differences in reproductive rates along elevational gradients could influence population dynamics, and therefore entire elevational ranges should be protected to ensure conservation of the best reproductive habitats for a variety of bat species. Public policies are needed to ensure effective conservation of biodiversity, biological processes, and the ecosystem services provided by local fauna from the lower lands to the mountain peaks. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY sudeste do Brasil, entre 23° e 24° de latitude, em altitudes entre 60 e 1.800 metros acima do nível do mar. Nossos resultados mostraram que Artibeus spp. e S. lilium tem um padrão reprodutivo sazonal, reproduzindo-se mais no período com maior quantidade de chuvas, temperatura e, consequentemente, maior disponibilidade de alimento. Além disso, nós encontramos que a altitude influencia a atividade reprodutiva em todas as espécies estudadas. A taxa reprodutiva das fêmeas de Artibeus spp. foi alta em altitudes intermediárias (entre 501 e 1.000 metros de altitude), e para as fêmeas de S. lilium foi alta em elevadas altitudes (acima de 1.000 metros de altitude), com um pico reprodutivo menos evidente em altitudes intermediárias. Igualmente, a proporção de machos reprodutivamente ativos de Artibeus spp. e S. lilium foi maior em altitude intermediária e elevada, respectivamente. Na estação seca houve um incremento na taxa de fêmeas reprodutivas com a abundância local de todas as fêmeas. Mudanças nas taxas reprodutivas podem ter enormes implicações para a dinâmica populacional e, portanto, toda área de gradientes altitudinais deve ser protegida para garantir a conservação dos melhores habitats reprodutivos para uma variedade de espécies de morcegos. Políticas públicas são necessárias para garantir a conservação efetiva da biodiversidade, dos processos biológicos e dos serviços ecossistêmicos fornecidos pela fauna local, desde as terras mais baixas até os picos das montanhas.
Mammal Study, 2018
The silky short-tailed bat (Carollia brevicauda) is common and widely distributed in the Neotropic; however, data on reproductive biology is scarce. Here, we present the results of a monitoring of two colonies in the Andes of Colombia. The high recapture rate allowed us to estimate the length of pregnancy, lactation, and between-births interval. Results showed that this species reproduced with low synchrony throughout the year and may exhibit a polyoestry reproductive pattern with oestrous postpartum that lasts around eight months. The pregnancy length was two and a half months to three months and lactation length was one and a half month to two months. Males also showed reproductive activity throughout the year. The asynchronous reproduction of this species at the study area suggests that factors related to body condition may be more important for timing of reproduction than environmental cues. The reproductive life-history traits of this species are similar to other species of the genus Carollia and Phyllostomidae family.
Myotis ruber is a widely distributed bat in South America, but it is considered rare and its natural history is virtually unknown. These factors contribute to the classification of the species as vulnerable regionally and nearthreatened globally. In this context, the aim of this note is to present new data about the reproductive biology of M. ruber, thus expanding the knowledge about its natural history and, consequently, contributing to the conservation of the species. After an extensive effort to capture bats in southern Brazil, we captured 40 individuals of M. ruber. Pregnant females (n=17) were observed mainly in October in different years. In addition, seven immature individuals were captured. Based on our results, it is expected that the species will fit the general pattern for bats determined by climate and food resources, but our data do not allow us to assign conclusive reproductive patterns. Although not conclusive, the information presented in this note represents the first opportunity to gather breeding information about this rare and threatened species.
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2003
The reproductive patterns and feeding habits of three sympatric nectarivorous bats, Glossophaga soricina, Anoura caudifera, and A. geoffroyi were studied in the Pousada das Araras Natural Reserve, located in Central Brazil. The bats were captured with mist nets from August 2000 to July 2001. Reproductive condition was determined by external analyses of the specimens and feeding habits from fecal samples. Glossophaga soricina was the most abundant species (65%), followed by A. geoffroyi (30%) and A. caudifera (5%). Significant differences were observed in the sex-ratio of the two more abundant species. Anoura geoffroyi showed a monoestrous pattern; its reproductive peaks occurred between the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rain season. A seasonal bimodal pattern was recorded for G. soricina, with pregnant specimens showing one peak observed in the dry season and another in the middle of the rainy season. The reproductive pattern of A. caudifera could not be satisfactorily defined because of the small sample size. However, this species apparently has a reproductive cycle similar to that of G. soricina. The patterns observed in this study seem to be related with the climate in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado), with two well-defined seasons (dry and wet). By adjusting the parturition close to or in the rain season the three species could be favoring a greates survival rate for the offspring, since the critical lactation period would then occur in a time of maximum food availability. The three bat species showed a generalist diet, consuming fruits, pollennectar, and arthropods. Significant differences were observed in the diet of G. soricina: fruits and arthropods predominated in the dry season and pulp (fruits) in the rainy season. Males and females of this species ate the same items in similar proportions. Although A. geoffroyi has not showed a preference for a specific item, consumption of fruits and arthropods was generally greater than that of pollen.
Diet and Abundance of the Bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera) in a Brazilian Montane Atlantic Forest
Journal of Mammalogy, 2008
We studied variations in diet and abundance of the bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a montane Atlantic Forest, in order to investigate if patterns in this habitat differ from those in the better-studied lowlands. The diet of S. lilium was assessed based on fecal samples, whereas possible variations in abundance were documented based on capture success. We also monitored and linked variability in air temperature to fruit production of Solanaceae, the main food of S. lilium. Bats fed exclusively on fruits, mostly on Solanaceae and occasionally on Piperaceae and Cecropiaceae. S. lilium was mostly absent in the area during the colder months, suggesting that they might migrate to lower and hence warmer elevations. Absence of the bats was not related to a distinct decline in availability of fruit of Solanaceae because fruit production was not related to temperature. We conclude that in tropical montane systems, abundance of some frugivorous bats might be affected more by air temperature than by food availability. Furthermore, we reinforce the idea that preserving elevational gradients is a crucial aspect for the conservation of migratory species.
mammalia, 2000
Normally, the Phyllostomidae bat community varies in number of individuals depending on food availability, which in turn varies with changes in annual rainfall. The aims of this study were to list species of Phyllostomidae bats in Curi ó Municipal Natural Park located in the municipality of Paracambi, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, and determine possible differences in species richness, abundance and composition between rainy and dry seasons. Sampling was carried out between September 2011 and August 2012 with the use of mist nets. The total sampling effort was 51,840 m 2 h, and 745 individuals of 18 bat species were caught. Myotis riparius (Vespertilionidae) was the only non-Phyllostomidae species caught. Artibeus lituratus and Carollia perspicillata were the most abundant species. The collector curve did not become stabilized, with 21 ± 2 phyllostomid species being estimated for the park. No significant difference in species richness or change in the community composition was found between seasons; however a higher number of individuals was captured in the rainy season. The occurrence of specie indicator of goodquality habitats ( Chrotopterus auritus , Micronycteris microtis and Trachops cirrhosus ) and species threatened with extinction ( Chiroderma doriae and Dermanura cinerea ) indicate that the park is an important forest remnant for the conservation of bats and needs to be monitored.
Acta Chiropterologica, 2018
This study investigated the reproductive dynamics of a colony of Geoffroy's tailless bat (Anoura geoffroyi), an important pollinating bat, in a highland area of Southeastern Brazil. The colony was monitored each month from November 2014 to December 2015 with 154 males and 117 females captured. Testicular and ovarian histological data from 31 adult males and 22 adult females were obtained. Body condition index of male and female, and gonadosomatic index, epididymis-somatic index and Sertoli cell efficiency were analyzed. Females with spermatozoa in uterine crypts, embryos in oviducts, gravid uteri, and pregnant females were registered during the rainy season (November-March) and into the beginning of the following dry season (April), indicating asynchrony of births. The ovaries showed all types of ovarian follicles, and a polarized ovary cortex was found, differing from the organization pattern of most mammals. The testes showed continuous spermatic activity, but testicular parameters analyzed showed significantly higher values during the rainy season. A shorter mating period during the beginning of this season was detected, when values of the gonadosomatic and epididymis-somatic indexes, and Sertoli cell efficiency showed more pronounced differences in relation to the remaining period of study. Unlike polyestry known for some Neotropical phyllostomids, the reproductive cycle of A. geoffroyi was characterized as seasonal monoestrous, with the main reproductive events occurring during the rainy season, as the best time for females to reproduce, but with offspring recruitment occurring predominantly during the dry season, a period with fewer food resources.
Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) of Mata do Paraíso research station, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Check List, 2013
last decade. Currently, EPTEA Mata do Paraíso has been used for educational purposes, and scientific research (Ribon 2005). The climate of the EPTEA Mata do Paraíso is Cwa, mesothermic humid with rainy summers and dry winters (Vianello and Alves 1991). The average rainfall is 1340 mm, the dry season (winter) occurs from May to September, and the wet season (summer) is from December to March (Vianello and Alves 1991). The average annual humidity is 80%, and the average annual temperature 19°C, ranging between 14°C to 26°C (Castro et al. 1983). The region has elevations between 690 m and 870 m (Ribon 2005). The EPTEA Mata do Paraíso's original vegetation was categorized as Semideciduous Montane Forest by Pereira et al. (2001), Meira-Neto and Martins (2002), Higuchi et al. (2006), and Pinto et al. (2007), with intermediate to advanced stages of secondary succession, with a mosaic of vegetation ranging from sparse vegetation to dense semideciduous forests (Paglia et al. 1995). We sampled bats from three selected sites: a site with secondary forest in advanced stages of regeneration, a site with molasses grass and a site with secondary forest in early stages of regeneration ("capoeira"), totaling 10 sampling points (Table 1). More than one point was sampled by night, and sampling effort was not equally distributed for each area. Samplings were carried out every two months, for three consecutive nights, near the new moon, from November 2007 to October 2008 (permit no. 10881-1 by IBAMA/MMA). The total sampling effort was 5880 m².h (Straube and Bianconi 2002). Three mist nets (measuring 7 x 2.5, 9 x 2.5 and 12 x 2.5 m) were set close to food sources, water bodies, flight routes and potential shelters, from sunset to midnight, and inspected at 20-minute intervals. Captured bats were placed in cotton bags, and biological information such as species identification, weight, sex, reproductive status and, forearm measurements, was taken for each individual. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Mastozoology Collection of Museu de Zoologia João Moojen of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (MZUFV). Materials and Methods The inventory was carried out at the Estação de Pesquisa, Treinamento e Educação Ambiental (EPTEA) Mata do Paraíso (20°46'-20°50' S, 42°51'-42°49' W), Viçosa, Minas Gerais (Figure 1). The EPTEA Mata do Paraíso was formerly a farmland (Fazenda Paraíso), and a highly the fragmented area owe to timber, use of the lands for livestock, and coffee plantations. Since 1966, the fragment have been protected by the Departamento de Engenharia Florestal of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, and hunting and timber removal ceased, but cattle invasions still occurred until the
Acta Biológica Paranaense
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